Nootropics, Who's This?: Nakee's Brain-Boosting Ingredient

Hey there, everyone! Brendan here once again, and I have to say it's getting a bit too chilly for my tastes already. Not a fan of this autumnal nonsense-- but I digress. We have other topics of import today, namely the importance of nootropics in Nakee Butter and how they can be of benefit not only to students, but to everyone! 

I admit, and maybe I shouldn't, that I wasn't very involved in the health food sphere before starting here at Nakee, so I was unfamiliar with what nootropics actually are. Having learned a lot since then, I figured that I would share some of the resources that I used to learn more about nootropics, and provide evidence of just what they're capable of. They're a popular topic these days; the r/nootropics subreddit has over 400,000 followers!

Nootropics, sometimes called "smart drugs," are different compounds that affect cognitive function; the division of these compounds is along the lines of how they create that result, with some causing greater brain metabolism. The science behind the function of nootropics is still being studied and our understanding of them continues to develop, and the term to describe them was first developed in the early 1970s.

Despite their nickname, nootropics are not some kind of wonder drug. As this study from Professor Panteleimon Giannakopoulos describes, what they do instead is "improve the brain’s supply of glucose and oxygen, have antihypoxic effects, and protect brain tissue from neurotoxicity." Professor Giannakopoulos' paper also notes the minimal potential side effects of nootropics, referring to a number of prior studies showing a low incidence rate and that any issues that do arise are usually mild. 

Different nootropics, because they are a natural substance rather than manufactured, are often marketed as health supplements, including in fish oil. However, other nootropics are key components in both over-the-counter and prescription medication, including Ritalin and Modafinil/Provigil. These medications are often prescribed to those with attention deficit disorders or, in the case of the latter two, narcolepsy, to help with awareness and cognitive function.

Modafinil/Provogil is one of the most prominent members of a class of nootropics referred to as eurogics, which prioritize the heightened awareness that nootropics can help provide over their memory assistance. There are a wide range of other applications for nootropics; they are also utilized to treat those with Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.  (It should be noted, though, that Nakee Butter is not a substitute for any kind of prescribed medication, nor does it function as one!)

I can understand why hearing all of this might be a bit intimidating; it certainly was for me. The idea of something advertised as increasing intelligence like this feels like a lost episode of Six Million Dollar Man! The science is there, though; medication with nootropics have been approved by the FDA, including those previously mentioned. It is worth approaching any supplement with caution, however, as those are not approved and can have other issues. Be wary of those who promise you the moon on a stick, of course! 

We're not saying Nakee Butter will make you a genius or something on account of the nootropics, though you may feel smarter for eating it instead of ultra-processed snacks! Instead, nootropics are just one of our active ingredients that are meant to help support your daily function; that's why they're a great pick-me-up treat in the early afternoon at work or a school lunch break. We're always looking to learn, so if you have any thoughts or information on nootropics, we'd love to hear them in the comments! 

Hearing the "tropics" part of nootropics is making me crave a vacation somewhere with white sand beaches, reading a paperback in the shadow of a coconut tree... But for now I'll be nearly as content writing more for you guys, because helping to inform people is its own reward. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your weekend. This is Brendan, signing off once again!